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USC Football Practice ReportCorey Jenkins looking to play both ways against the Gators

Nov. 13, 2002

Columbia, SC -

* USC head football coach Lou Holtz confirmed Tuesday that senior quarterback Corey Jenkins was also working at free safety this week, in an attempt to shore up a need in the defensive backfield. "Corey is an outstanding athlete and he will likely be available to see duty at both positions for us," said Holtz. "We have had problems in the secondary for most of the year and have tried several solutions. We felt that moving Corey to defense was in the best interests of the team. He will work at both positions."

* With this personnel move, expect to see redshirt sophomore Dondrial Pinkins step up and be the likely starter at quarterback this Saturday against #20 Florida. "Dondrial certainly should have the opportunity to start," said Holtz. "But, he's got to go through practice and earn that right. He can't have too many more days like he had today, with an interception and fumble."

* Coach Holtz said that with Jenkins' versatility and likelihood that he may play both ways this Saturday, teammates were referring to the 26-year-old as "Water Boy," comparing him to the character in the Adam Sandler football movie that played on both sides of the ball.

* Jenkins said he was excited about the possibilities. "I'll play anywhere, anytime," he said. "I think I am athletic enough to play just about anywhere on the field. Granted, I'm not going to play every snap, but I'll go in and do whatever they ask me to do and will try to do it to the best of my God-given ability." Jenkins said he was initially slated to play linebacker in junior college before his team's starting quarterback broke his collarbone. He then took over that role and has been a quarterback at USC the past two years, except for a brief stint at fullback during last year's Outback Bowl.

* Offensive coordinator Skip Holtz said that this move should also enhance Jenkins' stock with the professional scouts. "While this wasn't done with that in mind, I'm sure the scouts believe his best chance of playing at the next level is on defense," said Skip. "Corey has the arm strength, athleticism and toughness to play quarterback; he just hasn't been able to get totally comfortable in reading the coverages, and that takes time. Now on the flip side, having Dondrial make his first career start at "The Swamp" is not exactly how you may want to script this thing, but we're preparing for that and we'll do the best that we possibly can."

* Senior wide receiver Ryan Brewer has practiced the past two days and is expected to play Saturday against the Gators. Brewer said after Tuesday's workout, that while his ankle was sore, he was feeling stronger each day. Brewer missed his first career game Nov. 2 against Tennessee and was only in on one special teams play last week against Arkansas. He sprained his ankle Oct. 19 at LSU.

* Senior wide receiver Michael Ages, who missed last week with a collarbone injury, has likewise returned to practice on a limited basis. He is also expected to make the trip to Gainesville and could possibly play. Ages said that his shoulder is still sore.

* Saturday's game at Florida will be televised nationally by ESPN. Kickoff is set for 6:01 p.m. This marks the seventh televised appearance for Carolina this season.